The Human Target
Adventurer
A really interesting thread.
I wish I could be of help, but I've never played 2e.
I wish I could be of help, but I've never played 2e.
AD&D revised 2E [VS] D&D 3.5E
- Thread starter KingKaddish
- Start date
Vraille Darkfang
First Post
KingKaddish said:
I have been Playing since the Year 2nd Edtion came out.
I have been DM'ing close to 15 Years now.
I had invested THOUSANDS of dollars over the years in 2nd ED (I had all the Blue DM Guides, Green Historical, Tan Player's Guide, Player's Option Series, All the Old 1st ed Wilderness, Survival, Manual of the Planes, etc, all the Monster Books-including all the loose-leaf sets).
I also run Call of Cthuhlu.
I have run Champions, White Wolf, Shadowrun, Earthdawn (and several others).
So, when 3rd came out I tried it, but took the critical view of "Is this good enough to throw 70% (non-fluff stuff) into cold storage?"
The answer has turned into a resounding "YES".
I am much happier with 3.5 than any previous version of D&D.
But, it has only been in the last 2 years that I've become a "Good Dungeonmaster" Again.
It's a different game. It might still be D&D, but it handles like a different machine.
Don't try to run it like you do 2nd. I did that for years. It just doesn't work as well.
Here's my advice.
Go for 3.5 It a very good system.
When you run it, keep it moving. It's about story & pacing, don't let tules bog you down. Paly it by ear if something wierd comes up & make a note.
Research it post-game.
I can tell you for a fact that my huge 3.5 Combats take Half the time they did in 3.0 (due to my better learning of the system). My 2nd ed tended to be shorter, because by that time EVERYONE was hitting AC-10 with EVERY BLEEPING ATTACK. Combats were Brutal, Nasty, & Short.
I found 3rd edtion worth it (I'm not calling it the GREATEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!!!), but I like a lot better than 2nd ed.
Vraille Darkfang
First Post
KingKaddish said:
You need the Expanded Psionics Handbook.
Complete Psionic is an Add-on.
Like Complete Warrior;
Or 2nd Ed Bard's, Fighter's, etc Handbook.
Philotomy Jurament
First Post
IMO, there are a couple of good reasons to switch:
1. If you're not having fun with 2E
2. If you can't find players for 2E
Otherwise, I'd stick with 2E.
1. If you're not having fun with 2E
2. If you can't find players for 2E
Otherwise, I'd stick with 2E.
Oh, and one little thing I need to mention. Every so often I do leaf through my old Basic D&D or 1E AD&D books and occasionally even consider running a one-shot under those rules, but you know what always stops me? It might seem to be a minor thing, and in the final analysis it probably is, but it's the nonsensical saving throw categories. I don't know why they bug me so much, but as soon as I saw the current Fortitude, Reflex, Will trio I instantly decided I could never go back to using the old ones. Though I suppose they wouldn't be too hard to house-rule out.
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
I think that's another 3Eism that C&C retained.jeffh said:
Philotomy Jurament
First Post
Sorta. C&C saving throws are level (and prime) modified ability checks. The AD&D categories are still there, but they apply to ability scores. That is, Poison is a Con check, breath weapon is a Dex check, Death attack is a Cha check, et cetera.Whizbang Dustyboots said:
Kae'Yoss
First Post
KingKaddish said:
This looks like you might have to do 2 games: One (irregular) 2e game with the 2e players, and another with the 3e players.
Can't really agree. I always felt like 3e provided more freedom than any previous game. Can you get him to tell why and where the game is restrictive in his opinion.
Well, that's not to be avoided - if you learn a new system, you'll have to constantly remember things in the beginning. That's the same for good and bad games.
What about less than 5 bucks? 0 for the Map (it comes with the core rules), and a couple of cents for the bag of M&Ms - red ones are demons, blue ones players....
The game might encourage you to use a map and representations for creatures and all, but it doesn't say that you must buy official D&D minis. If you don't want the M&Ms, I'm sure you have some figures from a chess game, or checkers, or you use pieces of paper.
For the time being, almost all the stuff you need is in the SRD -> www.d20srd.org
I might also have suggested Elements of Magic. It does not only get rid of prepared spells, it also gets rid of premade spells. Create your own spells with a customisable system!
While I'm suggesting: Take a look at the Draconomicon. Then tell me you don't love everything about that book with a straight face! I say you won't be able to. Because that book rocks.
Here's what you do:
Use 3e ability scores, saves and attack bonuses, but 2e multiple attack progressions.
Use 2e proficiencies, but instead of using ability checks, each slot gives you a rating in that proficiency equal to your level +3 + base ability score's 3e-style bonus. You can spand an extra slot to gain a +3 bonus to an existing proficiency. Resolve checks using 1d20 + bonus vs. DC as in 3e. Use 2e weapon proficiencies.
Leave everything else 2e, and you'll have a simple, robust game.
Use 3e ability scores, saves and attack bonuses, but 2e multiple attack progressions.
Use 2e proficiencies, but instead of using ability checks, each slot gives you a rating in that proficiency equal to your level +3 + base ability score's 3e-style bonus. You can spand an extra slot to gain a +3 bonus to an existing proficiency. Resolve checks using 1d20 + bonus vs. DC as in 3e. Use 2e weapon proficiencies.
Leave everything else 2e, and you'll have a simple, robust game.
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